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A mobile banking app aimed to support low literacy individuals living on SSI.
Timeline: March - April 2023 | Group Members: Rosie Saqib and Fatemeh Rezaei
Why is this in my portfolio? This study showcases my ability to create high-fidelity prototypes by synthesizing data collected through user and literary research.
Introduction
Over 40% of the low literacy population lives in poverty and with the lack of health resources available to them, many live on disability. Living on government disability limits an individual’s supplemental income and with the cost of living increasing and overall economic inflation, it is important that these individuals can be financially stable. Budgeting is a great way to track finances, but most budgeting apps available today are difficult to understand, take months of trial and error to get the hang of or use language that is not accessible to everyone.
What is low literacy?
Not to be confused with illiteracy, low literacy refers to those who can read but face difficulties with comprehending and deciphering what they read, either on screen or on paper. As it takes them longer to complete tasks, they end up taking on an overall larger cognitive load. Because of this, they often face social and economic disadvantages, as well as difficulties with basic life skills, including reading, writing, and managing finances, due to their literacy level.
What do we mean by “Living on disability?”
Living on disability refers to living on SSI-or Supplemental security income- which is a monthly benefit administered by the Social Security Administration. To qualify for SSI, individuals must adhere to a strict set of income and asset limits and must be disabled, blind, or over the age of 65. SSI benefits are not based on income earned from prior work experience and are set by the federal government. Current maximum monthly benefits are $914 for an individual and $1371 for couples. However, the average monthly payment for individuals is $677 month. To qualify for SSI, an individual must be unable to earn substantial income (referred to as SGA- or substantial gainful activity) because of a medical condition.
Target Group
♿ Disabled and living on SSI
💵 Living on limited budget
📖 Low literacy readers
Main Research Findings
43% of US adults read at or below 7th grade level
PIAAC data shows strong correlation between low literacy and lower incomes
Significant number of individuals on disability have low literacy levels
Low literacy is correlated to low financial literacy
Higher poverty rates among people with disabilities: 25% live below poverty line
Average monthly Social Security payment: $677
Read full literature review here.
Web Design for Target Group
High contrast: High contrast colors aid in readability
Minimal Interface: Incorporating only necessary information
Visual Cues: Icons and colors used to act as a visual cues
Shorter Text: Minimal amount of copy on page so user doesn’t have to scroll
Link to full prototype here.
Creating a new account demo.